"We were interested to examine the protein's structure and characteristics to find out exactly what part of the protein was doing what," she said.

The researchers found a quirk they say has never been seen in more than 100,000 different protein structures known to biologists.

It was dubbed the "Shirley Temple" in reference to its ringlet formation, after the 1930s child star.

Dr Newman said the find will "go on to inform other drug discovery work".

Image copyrightCSIROImage caption
The Shirley Temple protein is named after the 1930s American child actress who had ringlets

The World Health Organisation (WHO) released a report in 2014 urging action to be taken to prevent the "post-antibiotic era", where common infections and minor injuries which have been treatable for decades can once again kill.

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria build up a tolerance against antibiotics and pass that resistance on to the next generation of bacteria, producing superbugs.